Compare and Contrast the Two Ministers- Parris and Hale. Consider the Changes in Each as the Whole Business takes its Course

Another excellent quote demonstrating the same type of characteristics is to be found just a little later on in the confrontation with Abby. He has to address the crowds that are gathering within his Parish and he is sure that they will try to ruin him.

"Whatever abomination you have done, give me all of it now, for I dare not be

taken unaware when I go before them down there."

His next quote represents how he has struggled to win respect and power, in his opinion, and his on-going struggle to be a respected person amongst the town.

"I have fought three long years to bend these stiff-necked people towards me"

He then goes on to question Abby about her name, as if to ask if her word will be taken as the truth and how much recognition her side of the story will gather.

The final and most convincing quote was addressed to Thomas Putnam, a member of the society. In it, it is entirely clear that Parris is not interested in anything buy his reputation.

"I pray you, leap not to witchcraft......I know that you would ever wish so

disastrous a charge laid upon me........They will howl me out of Salem for

such corruption in my house."

Parris' tactic is to call in Reverend John Hale, the expert in these subjects, to determine whether or not it is witchcraft, as is the common opinion, or simply a matter of medicine, which is what would suit Parris.

To be called in and to have the say on such an important matter would give an air of responsibility to Hale and he enjoys this. He revels in the chance to be an expert in the field. As he is centre of attention, he makes it his business to investigate all aspects of religion in Salem and to pry into people's lives-mainly John Proctor's and his wife's, to determine the matter of witchcraft. Indeed, one of is early lines shows just how important he thinks he is. When giving Parris some books on the matter, Parris comments on their heavy weight.

"They are weighted with authority"

He is referred to as a sensible man, one of thought and of importance. However, perhaps his high position goes to his head a little and once he realises the sudden escalation of the trials is out of his hands he starts to regret the whole affair, but that comes later. Once he has arrived he talks with authority ad knowledge on his subject. This is clearly shown when prompted by Thomas Putnam on the signs of witchcraft.

"The Devil is precise: the marks of his presence are definite as stone."

He then goes on to enquire about the occurrences in the forest and to ask questions about the nature of people in the town. He questions Abigail and Tituba on the happenings in the forest to form a picture of what happened. Whether or not the interrogation is completely necessary can be argued and it is more likely he wishes to be seen as being thorough and leaving no stone unturned. However, this pressure on others leads to them accusing others of being witches and it is this which starts the escalation.

During this time, Proctor engages in a meeting with Parris and Proctor has a dim view of the man. This leads to some bickering and Parris uses the witchcraft speculation to state that he wants to ensure an "obedience to the Church," but reacts badly to Proctor's statements. He reacted to the argument as though it was a personal insult against him and his allegation that Proctor leads a faction in the Church intent on bringing about his downfall reveals further the paranoia of the man. This, along with his vulnerability in his political position means that he uses the witchcraft trials for his own personal gain.

It is in the next scene that Hale's concern is present. He enjoyed being called to Salem because it made him feel like an expert. He further enjoyed carrying out investigations with all those whose names had been mentioned in conjunction with witchcraft. However, when he was at Proctor's house and heard of the arrests of Rebecca and witnessed the arrest of Elizabeth he realises that power is now out of his control. He has respect for Rebecca because of her charitable reputation.

"We have all heard of your great Charities in Beverly"

If anything at all Hale makes attempts to help Elizabeth when she is accused of being a witch when Cheever is searching the house and finds a poppet. Hale questions the significance of the poppet and even questions the meaning of finding a needle protruding from it.

It states in the text that Hale says one of his lines with great uncertainty after the arrest of Elizabeth and this shows throughout as people he has not ordered to be arrested are. His power is lessened and the court were running affairs now. The main men in the court, Judge Hawthorne and Deputy Governor Danforth have to be strict and not to be seen as faltering. So, when the people are arrested they carry out their jobs properly and because Abigail has a strong hold on the court, she sways things in her favour.

In the court Parris is trying to stay on the winning side and so backs Danforth and Hawthorne in every move they make. When Proctor comes forth with his case Parris tells the court that he has no aim but to overthrow the court and also insists that everyone that signed the deposition attesting to the good characters of Elizabeth, Martha and Rebecca should be summoned for questioning as the deposition itself is an attack on the court.

"This is a clear attack on the court" - on the deposition

"He's come to overthrow the court, Your Honour!" - on Proctor's entrance

This shows how Parris was using the trials to boost his reputation and significance throughout the community. Knowing that he is a man of relative power he backs the court in every way possible. In contrast, Hale tries to be sensible about the affairs and testifies to the good name of the accused.

However, once Proctor has been jailed for he himself being in liege with the Devil and after all the other arrests have gone through, we find that perhaps Parris has a conscience after all. When it comes to Proctor's hanging Hale tries to worry Danforth about rebellions that may occur and also tries to help Proctor by begging him to sign a confession so that he would receive a pardon. Parris does play a part in trying to convince him, surprisingly. Parris asks Rebecca to plead with him to sign the warrant and also wants Rebecca to go after him when he is taken to the gallows. His reputation would also be on the line as Parris hadn't reckoned on Proctor's popularity and so in one last attempt Hale returns once again from Beverly to persuade him to sign a confession and Parris joins in as well. They fail and Proctor is seen as a hero, for dying in what he believed in and not bowing down to pressure. Parris later resigned from office and leaves Salem.

In summary, it is quite clear that the intentions of Parris are purely selfish and he uses the trials to make a grasp at power. Hale at first comes into a situation that has not developed and doesn't realise the scale of it until too late. He is an intellectual and a sensible man and although tries to do the right thing the matter is taken out of his hands before he can do anything about it. The two differ a lot as Hale is not interested in developing authority in a town that is not his own and is concerned with the matter of witchcraft. His actions are sincere. Parris is a self-centred man, only concerned with his own interests. He manipulates the people and the situation in Salem to suit himself.

Neil Christie 10N English The Crucible